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THE widow of a man who was killed on a railway line has paid tribute to a ‘devoted husband, father and grandfather’.

Barry Mann was clerk at parish councils in the Emsworth and West Sussex area for many years.

He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him

Joy Mann

He died on Sunday, May 3, close to Emsworth Railway Station, at the age of 82.

An inquest into Mr Mann’s death has been opened by the Portsmouth coroner.

It is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Mann’s widow Joy, from Emsworth, said: ‘He was a devoted husband to me for 40 years, father to Simon and grandfather to Amelie.

‘He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.’

As well as being the parish clerk at Funtington, and Chidham and Hambrook councils, Mr Mann was also a long-standing member of Emsworth Methodist Church.

He died when he was struck by a train at Emsworth Railway Station.

Mr Mann was clerk at Funtington Parish Council for more than 25 years.

A statement on its website said: ‘It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Barry Mann who had been the clerk of the parish council for many years until his unexpected demise on May 3.

‘Barry will be sorely missed by all the councillors who relied on him for his efficiency, good judgement and detailed memory of parish council affairs for many years past.

‘Our condolences go out to his widow, Joy, and to his family.’

Mr Mann was also the clerk at Chidham and Hambrook Parish Council for 19 years.

Chairman Cliff Archer said: ‘He was a superb clerk, very dedicated to his work and showed a genuine interest in the parish.

‘I got to know him over many years and looked upon him as a person friend.

‘He was much-loved in the parish, and the parish council is considering how best to commemorate his fine work.’

There will be a memorial service at the Methodist Church, The Square, Emsworth, on Monday, June 8 at 2.15pm.